Osinbajo, Gov. Otti urge lawyers to prioritise justice for Nigerians

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has urged legal professionals in Nigeria to shift their focus from traditional law interpretation and application to advancing justice, bolstering democracy, and stimulating national growth. Addressing the Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development's annual conference in Umuahia, Osinbajo highlighted the significance of people-focused public interest advocacy, emphasizing citizens' welfare, access to justice, job creation, healthcare, education, and protection of vulnerable groups.

The former Vice President emphasized that the essence of democracy extends beyond elections and policy-making; it lies in its ability to enhance the well-being of ordinary citizens. He cautioned that persistent issues such as poverty, corruption, unemployment, and dwindling public confidence in democratic institutions pose substantial risks to democratic progress.

Osinbajo further stressed that democracy should be evaluated based on people's perception of justice, asserting that a just society safeguards everyone's rights. The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, echoed Osinbajo's sentiments, urging lawyers to prioritize justice for Nigerians. Otti praised the judiciary for its role in national development and reaffirmed its status as the people's hope for justice.